Tribal Women's Mock Funeral Protest Against Ken-Betwa Project Continues in MP
In Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, tribal communities, predominantly women, persisted with their agitation on Friday following violent clashes with police during a mock funeral protest against the contentious Ken-Betwa river linking project. Despite intensified efforts by authorities to pacify the situation and initiate dialogue with displaced villagers, the protest remained steadfast.
Administration's Efforts to Engage Protesters
Collector Paras Jaiswal addressed the media, emphasizing that all possible measures are being undertaken to engage with the affected villagers and persuade them to end the protest. Officials are reportedly in continuous contact with the villagers, holding discussions with representatives from tribal communities and farmers who have been protesting due to alleged irregularities in compensation distribution and delays in rehabilitation processes.
As a precautionary measure, prohibitory orders under BNS section 163 remain enforced in certain parts of the area to maintain law and order.
Escalation of Tensions During Protest
The protest, known as 'chita andolan', saw hundreds of distressed tribal women lying on mock funeral pyres on Thursday to symbolize their plight. Tensions escalated later that day when a team led by Additional Collector Namah Shivay Arjaria arrived at the protest site near the Daudhan dam to communicate with the villagers.
According to official reports, the team was surrounded by a large crowd of protesters, compelling the officials to retreat hastily. Sources indicated that the officials had to flee for their safety, abandoning personal belongings in the process.
Core Issues and Demands of the Protesters
At the heart of the protest are serious allegations that compensation intended for land acquired under the Ken-Betwa Link Project has not been fully disbursed to many families. The protesters, mostly tribal women, have maintained a sit-in at the dam site, reiterating their "all or nothing" demand for fair compensation and proper rehabilitation.
Activist Amit Bhatnagar, who is leading the agitation, issued a stern warning to the administration, stating that the fight for compensation has evolved into a people's movement. He asserted that any attempt to suppress the protest would only strengthen resistance, and the agitation will continue until all displaced families receive full justice.
Administration's Response and Counterclaims
In response, the district administration claimed that most of the protesters' demands have already been addressed. They issued a warning that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to take the law into their own hands.
Protesting villagers earlier alleged that they attempted to march towards Delhi to voice their concerns over the project but were obstructed en route. They also accused authorities of disrupting food and water supplies to their settlements, a claim that officials have firmly denied.
Overview of the Ken-Betwa Link Project
The Ken-Betwa Link Project is one of India's major river-linking initiatives, involving the construction of the Daudhan dam. It aims to provide water for irrigation and drinking purposes to regions in Bundelkhand, addressing water scarcity issues in the area.
